Obituary: Beatrice Ann Lucille Heikkila

Beatrice Ann Lucille Heikkila, 90, of Cromwell, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in her apartment at Cardinal Courts with family by her side. She was born on July 31, 1931, in Gackle, North Dakota to Amos and Julia Haro. Beatrice was married to Jonas Heikkila on Aug. 6, 1949, and they lived their lives together in Cromwell on Heikkila Lake.

Beatrice worked as a cook for the Cromwell school district for many years and was a devoted homemaker. She made the most delicious caramel rolls. She had a gift of making everyone feel loved and special. She enjoyed having company and loved to visit. Her most rewarding job came on April 6, 1975, when God gifted them with Jeffrey.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 56 years, Jonas; infant son, James; grandsons, Craig Dahl, and Kevin Williams; great grandson, Thomas Konen; son-in-law, Thomas Scott Johnson; daughter-in-law, Sharyn Heikkila; brother, Don Haro; and her dear friend, Ruth Smith.

Beatrice is survived by her children, who she lovingly called her "first crop, second crop and surprise package," Barbara, Judy, Dan (Gayle), Mark, JoEllen, Elizabeth (Doug), Sara and her greatest joy, Jeffrey Lee; grandchildren, Jessica, Christie, Cindy, Randy, Ashley (John), Alaina (Tom), Abram (Maddy), Natalie (Jake), Sophie, Julia (Daniel), Camille (Derek), Dana (Eli), Libby (Brandt), Austin, Zoe and Mandy; great grandchildren, Logan, Rush, Patrick, Jakob, Rory, Dominick, Connor, Destiny, Eugene, Dylan, Samuel, Rowan, Vivian, Elin, Jonas, Marlow, Emelia, Hannah, Tobe, Nola, Beatrice, Ellis and Lydia; sister, Edna Kresal; sisters-in-law, Norma (Harold) Haro, and Ellen Maki; scrabble partner and dear friend, Kathy Schmidt; special niece, Jeanne Smith along with many nieces and nephews; and a host of brothers and sisters in faith.

Our family will forever be grateful for the friends and staff at Cardinal Courts for caring for our mother and loving her like she was their own special grandma. We would also like to acknowledge the kind and compassionate care provided by St. Croix Hospice. Mom especially enjoyed the music provided by therapist Leah. Thank you for guiding us and helping to make our Mom's last months as comfortable and enjoyable as they were. Your attentiveness and consideration will never be forgotten. The Cromwell community is fortunate to have this outstanding facility.

Visitation was planned for Wednesday at Atkins Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet and was to continue at 11 a.m. Thursday followed by a noon funeral service in Eagle Lake Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church, five miles south of Cromwell. Burial will be in Eagle Lake Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home. To sign the guestbook and leave an online tribute see, http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com

Pine Knot News Feb. 11, 2022